The head of the Anglican Church in Australia, Archbishop Peter Carnley, has called for all Australian Anglican churches to be open on Wednesday 30 June 2004 for a day of special prayer for peace.

Dr Carnley said that 30 June marks the start of the handover of authority in Iraq by the coalition forces and that the prayers of all faithful and concerned people would be of help at that time.

He has asked that Anglican clergy and church members maintain prayer vigils throughout the day. Dr Carnley has also expressed the hope that the leaders of Australias other Christian churches would offer prayers on that day, and that the Islamic and Jewish communities would consider offering prayers on the appropriate holy days nearest 30 June. These are Friday 2 July for Muslims and Saturday 3 July for people of Jewish faith.

"I ask that faithful and concerned people everywhere across Australia reflect prayerfully on the great need for peace and reconciliation at this momentous time," he said. "This is the beginning of what we all hope will be the peaceful restoration of Iraqi sovereignty into the hands of its long-suffering people."

More here: http://www.anglican.org.au/index.cfm?SID=4&MediaID=84